Ever since my early 20’s, I started to dread going shopping, particularly for clothes. It seemed to get harder for me to find pieces that I wanted to buy and bring home. In 2019, I moved to a new area in the suburbs and found that there were a lot of thrift and consignment stores around. So I started checking out local consignment shops, and was amazed at the variety of vintage items and good-quality pieces for lower costs. I then branched out even more to the local thrift stores and have not looked back since.
I do believe that thrift stores have gained popularity in the recent years, and in a way has become more “trendy.” But I hold on to the hope that if it is just a “trend” it is still bringing more awareness to our younger generation around the importance of reusing and recycling.
Here are 5 beneficial perks to thrift shopping:
1. Save money
We all know that thrift stores are second, third, fourth-hand items, therefore prices are less than buying brand new. I know that thrift shopping is not everyone’s cup of tea, but it can be a great option if you are wanting to save a little more money on specific items like clothes or house-ware, even if just for a few months.
There is also a different kind of joy felt when you find a really unique piece at the thrift store and you paid less than $10 or even $5 for it.
2. Finding Vintage & Hidden Gems
One of the appeals of thrift shopping for many avid thrifters is the hunt! Some thrift stores can be quite large so there can be A LOT of items to search through, which can be overwhelming, but it also gives a greater chance of finding something worthwhile. Another thrill of the hunt is finding that one-of-a-kind piece, or high-end brand item that yields a major score! The thrill is in not knowing what you might find; Go in with no expectations and you might leave with a very treasured item.
If you like vintage or antique shopping, you can often find vintage pieces at a thrift store. I have noticed my own shift in appreciation for items that have been around a long time because of thrift shopping. There is sense of appreciation when being able to bring home a really old piece and give it a new life and purpose.
3. More mindful shopping
This has probably been the biggest benefit that thrift shopping has had on my life, which is, being more intentional in what I purchase. Shopping mindfully at a thrift store did not happen right away for me. Honestly, it took several months before I noticed that I needed to be more conscious of what I am actually purchasing because it was so easy to add that $3.00 shirt to the “buy pile” even though I did not completely love it. But when my closet started to get overcrowded by all the new thrifted clothes/jewelry, I realized I needed to reevaluate my purchasing.
Now, when I go to the thrift store and find several pieces that I like, I ask myself the common question, do I need it? But I also ask myself, Do I have something similar already? This has helped me limit what I buy for the sake of just buying, and shopping with a more conscious awareness of what I really need.
4. Allows more Creativity
When you go thrift shopping, you also have to go with an open mind and with the reality that some days you will not find anything worthwhile. But the thrift store has definitely helped my creative side. For instance, there are many unique pieces at the thrift store and with the inexpensive prices, you can play around and take risks with your style or projects because you know that you didn’t spend a lot on the pieces in the first place. Further, you can search the home-décor sections and use items from the thrift store for your own do-it yourself projects rather than buying from big corporations.
5. Increases opportunity to Donate and Give to a Good Cause
Trying out a thrift store or shifting your shopping routine to incorporate more thrift shopping, also increases the likelihood of donating items because you are already headed to the thrift store. But if you do not prefer to shop or donate to thrift stores, or if you don’t have any in your area, searching organizations that collect used items for a specific cause can be extremely helpful and philanthropic. For example, women’s shelters often are in need of items for women fleeing abusive relationships and need clothing because they were unable to pack everything before leaving. Or if you are someone who has been to a lot of weddings and have a lot of bridesmaid dresses in your closet, there are organizations to donate dresses for students who do not have the means to buy a prom dress.
So before throwing away any old or unused items check out your local thrift or consignment stores, or research organizations that rely on donations for the people that use their service.
